Managing director Andy Johnson said: "We’re delighted to once again be able to re-open our Management Trainee Programme. This is a fantastic opportunity for anyone who is keen to start a career in nursery production.
"The programme is open to graduates of all degree disciplines, preferably relating to Horticulture, crop based Agriculture and the Sciences, in particular Biology.
"Commencing in July 2017 this is a two-year programme that covers all areas of the business. Our three growing divisions are all dedicated to their specialist field and comprise field and container grown trees, hedging and forestry transplants and container grown hardy stock supplying both the amenity and garden centre markets.
"What we are looking for from our potential Management Trainees is a positive ‘can-do’ attitude and that they enjoy being challenged to come up with solutions.
"We want them to be innovative using not only their ideas but also assessing and supporting others’ ideas. Successful applicants will be responsible for their own learning and should be able to demonstrate a proactive attitude towards learning opportunities. We want candidates to also be career-minded, ambitious and flexible in their approach."
During the two years, successful applicants will work in the container, trees and transplants production divisions, supply chain operations, which includes both garden centre and amenity despatch, goods handling and transport and will also spend time in the Wyevale Nurseries’ head office departments.
The programme will be delivered through on the job training, attending plant identification training, visiting other nurseries, attending trade shows and conferences, attending any external courses if required, project work shadowing managers/supervisors, observing and participating in meetings.
Assessment will be through regular reviews and assessing performance against agreed objectives. Each trainee will meet with the Programme Co-ordinator, Steve Pandeli on a regular basis. This will be to support the trainee and to conduct regular constructive reviews.
Johnson added: "Upon successful completion of the programme, it is anticipated that we shall be able to match trainees to a suitable role with the company which would benefit from their particular strengths."
Current Management Trainee, 24-year-old Chris King from Hereford, who graduated from Writtle College with a BSc in Horticulture, said: "This programme provides a fantastic opportunity to gain an insight into all aspects of production at Wyevale Nurseries. This amazing opportunity has really launched my career in the horticultural industry. I have already learnt so much with this on the job programme since starting last July."
